HC Deb 07 March 1985 vol 74 c589W
19. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on business and employment prospects in the Province.

Dr. Boyson

Recent surveys by the Confederation of British Industry and others have pointed to an improvement in the confidence and performance of the business community in Northern Ireland. This is supported by the trends in output and employment. The most recent figures for manufacturing output show an increase of 3 per cent. The numbers in employment have increased by over 4,300 in the last six months of 1984 and the underlying upward trend in unemployment has been significantly arrested. The prospects for improved economic performance are therefore very good.